Police Officer Involved Domestic Violence.
Lighting a candle of remembrance for those who've lost their lives to domestic violence behind the blue wall, for strength and wisdom to those still there, and a non-ending prayer for those who thought they had escaped but can't stop being afraid.

OFFICER FIRED AFTER LAWSUIT REVEALS HIS MISCONDUCT
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
By Robin Pyle
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
[Excerpts] The Lubbock Police Department fired a lieutenant after his ex-wife's lawsuit against the city brought to light the officer's misconduct, including the improper use of police equipment. Evaristo Diaz also is accused of harassing his ex-wife, perjury and dereliction of duty, among other charges, by the department, according to his proposed suspension order dated March 9 and obtained recently by The Avalanche-Journal through an open records request. "Evaristo Diaz discredited himself, the Lubbock Police Department and impaired Lubbock Police Department operations by his conduct," his suspension order reads. Kimberly Nacoe Diaz filed suit last April after she said she was wrongfully terminated for reporting in August 2008 that her estranged husband was stalking her. Police documents obtained last year indicated that Kimberly Diaz was fired for making false statements during a criminal investigation, intentionally withholding evidence and disobeying direct orders, among other charges. The lawsuit was dismissed on Feb. 22 this year after the city agreed to a settlement, said her attorney, Robert Hogan. Kimberly Diaz was reinstated the same day and awarded back pay. According to the settlement agreement, the city denied any liability, and Kimberly Diaz agreed to voluntarily resign from the department on or before Jan. 27, 2011... Kimberly Diaz has been working at the police department again since Feb. 22. She is currently in a non-law enforcement role while working to renew her peace officer certification, according to her attorney... Police Capt. Greg Stevens said the department couldn't comment on Kimberly Diaz's reinstatement or Evaristo Diaz's termination. "Unfortunately since it's personnel (matters), we can't comment on it," he said, citing both the civil service code and city policy... According to the settlement agreement between Kimberly Diaz and the city, the city agreed to pay $6,835.55 in costs, and $10,000 in attorney's fees... [Full article here]